COMMERCIAL DESCRIPTION
Berry Monks is a variation on our classic Belgian Tripel, Merry Monks, brewed with cranberries, orange peel and ginger. This 9.3% ABV ale is ripe with apple and pear notes, which blend nicely with the tartness of the cranberries, the citrus twist of the orange peel and a touch of ginger. It’s great on its own or paired with your favorite holiday dish.

12 oz bottle with both a bottled on date [18 November 2016] and, presumably, a best by date of 18 November 2018. Served in a Belgian snifter.

Pours a slightly hazy light copper color with a small off-white head. The head has weak retention and soon reduces to a thin partial coat and ring. A thin layer of sediment remains on the bottom of the bottle.

Yeasty, fruity, nutty and malty aroma that foreshadows, but underestimates the striking flavor palate that comes with tasting. The usual Belgian tripel flavor components of yeast, light malt, banana and cloves, but these are in play with a swirl of fruit flavors. Slightly sweet with hints of mixed berries and oranges. Faint ginger appears in the finish and aftertaste. The high ABV is partly hidden in the aroma and, more so, in the flavor, although it does produce some warming. Medium bodied with a smooth feel. The finish is not as dry as I’d like but does have some dryness.

Overall: with plenty of complexity, well-balanced flavors, a fine finish and aftertaste, this is recommended for U.S. fans of tripels but it’s probably not an improvement on the base Merry Monks ale.

Sample at 101 Beer Kitchen during the "Irish Beer Line-Up" event on 03/17/2017. Hazy reddish-orange color with a medium off-white head that dissipates steadily to a film. Stringy lacing. Aroma of fruit, yeast and spice. Medium to full body with flavors of Belgian yeast, berries, spice and caramel malt. The finish is tart berry and earthy yeast. Decent overall.

Aroma banana, clove,
Appearance hazy, cloudy, minimal head, white foam,
Taste medium sweetness,
Palate light body, medium body, lively,
Overall very similar to merry monk but with a hint of fruit. Good but not great. I would not suggest this beer to a friend.

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